Livestock on West Highland Way

Please be aware that sections of the route go through working farms where livestock will be present, not all sections are able to have diversions.

Please pay particular attention when walking with dogs as there will be sheep with lambs and cows with calves along the route. Both can be easily disturbed and also could potentially be a danger, see advice below:

The information below is a short summary of the key things to remember from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

The Access Code says:

Access rights apply to people walking dogs as long as their dogs are kept under proper control. Your main responsibilities are:

Farm animals:

Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals.

Don’t take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young farm animals.

If you go into a field of farm animals, keep your dog(s) on a short lead or under close control and keep as far as possible from the animals.

If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.

For further information see the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website here

Way Made Easier

A section of the West Highland Way, on the old Military Road south of Kinlochleven has recently been improved. For more information please see here

Added: 3rd July 2018

Scottish Six Day Trials

The Scottish Six Day Trials are an annual event which has taken place in the area around Fort William since 1977.

The event itself has little impact on the West Highland Way, but you are likely to come across spectators who may use the path to access the Trials route. You may find that while the Trials are taking place, Fort Williams can be busy with spectators and support crews, however we’ve never had any complaints regarding the event.

Keep it clean

Our forests are at risk from tree pest and diseases. Tree diseases can travel. That’s not new but the increase in global trade and the impacts of climate change mean the foresters are tackling an increasing number of problems at once.

Pests and diseases can hitch a ride in mud and debris on your shoes, dog’s paws and bike tyres, ending up in new forests. We’re doing everything we can but we need your help too.